TV Show Try-On: Your Favorite Characters' Closets
As the season changes, brisk weather takes over. It's only fitting to get cozy, light a candle, and watch a good TV show, easing us into winter. Seeing the fall fashion sense on characters like Rory Gilmore from Gilmore Girls and Ross Geller from Friends, among others, inspires a wardrobe change-up. The colder it is, the more we need the necessities: scarves, jackets, gloves, pants, and, if you are Serena Van Der Woodsen, a new set of Birkins.
It may not be too cold in New Orleans, but taking a peek at some of our favorite TV show characters’ fall and winter looks can prepare you to be the most fashionable student walking on campus. So let’s go through and channel some good fashion energy from some nostalgic classics.
Rory Gilmore - Gilmore Girls
No matter if Rory is at Chilton Preparatory School, Luke’s Diner, or causing a stir at Yale University, she’s seen sporting plaid skirts, brown wool sweaters, and perfectly fit low-rise jeans during the autumn season. Rory sticks with a cool, dark-toned color palette, making sure to stay warm no matter what. In the early seasons, she’s known for wearing a variety of colorful headbands, mittens, knitted headwarmers, and earmuffs. Starrs Hollow sees a lot of snow, yet she manages to wear mostly cropped winter jackets alongside her Jansport Backpack, packed to the brim with books. Key brands for Rory would be Mudd, American Eagle Outfitters, and Baby Phat.
The key to the Rory Gilmore student look is a ride-or-die pair of blue jeans, a thrifted T-shirt, a wool button-up jacket, and a small-town grocery boy who causes you issues.
-Liz Claiborne Striped Sweater
Serena Vanderwoodsen - Gossip Girl
Wearing more layers than an onion, you’ll catch Upper East Side designer clothing addict, Serena VanderWoodsen, decked out in amazing autumn gear. No matter the hefty price Serena’s mom, Lily, paid for her closet, there is a plentiful amount of quality dupes available that can match Serena’s wardrobe. Serena wears a lot of knee-high riding boots, oversized wool blazers, cashmere gloves, patterned tights, and guilt on her face from hooking up with Nate. More affordable brands to reference are Uniqlo, Tilly’s, Abercrombie, Aritzia, and Bershka. When it comes to wool outerwear, classic stores like Macy's, Bloomingdale's, and local boutique and vintage stores are a go-to. Nothing like a put-together Serena Vanderwoodsen outfit puts her love interest’s betrayals to shame.
-Light Brown Leather Riding Boots
Lexi - Euphoria
Cassie’s advocate and Rue’s mediator, Lexi is seen on HBO’s Euphoria for her cute and comfortable fall outfits. Her character is controversial, but her knit sweater vest, unique skirts, and adorable hair ribbons are hands down awesome. To style your closet to Lexi’s liking, you’ll need to wear a knitted top from Anthropologie, a classic pencil skirt, and warm-toned shoes. Her outfit aesthetic works particularly well for fall because it strikes a balance: it’s seasonal without being costume-y, it feels intellectual and grounded (which suits Lexi’s character), and it gives you pieces that can carry you through the season rather than being one-and-done.
-Studded Anthopologie Cardigan
-Brown Plaid Urban Outfitters Mini Skirt
Brooke Davis - One Tree Hill
Brooke’s style captures a polished, confident, and slightly playful vibe, which makes her a great muse for fall dressing. Her wardrobe often includes structured pieces like blazers, tailored trousers or skirts, plush textures, and rich tones — all elements that resonate with autumn’s transitional nature. I’d like to highlight the value of Brooke’s layered shirts, tons of jewelry accoutrements, and warmth within her fall looks. Effortlessly well-dressed, Brooke pairs her school looks with a variety of statement purses, easy to get from brands like ThredUp and Revolve. This is key to carry with you when arguing with friends, getting into drama, and trudging through high school in One Tree Hill.
Effy Stonem - Skins
Even if you’re not showing up to Howard Tilton in ripped tights and a mini skirt, Effy has always been admired for being creative with her class looks that can carry her to a house party she should not be at.
Jesse Pinkman from Breaking Bad has a surprisingly perfect fall fashion style — the kind that balances comfort, edge, and streetwear authenticity. His wardrobe revolves around oversized hoodies, flannel shirts, graphic tees, baggy jeans, and worn-in jackets — all layered in a way that feels effortlessly cool and perfectly suited for chilly weather. The mix of cozy textures and muted, earthy tones gives him that laid-back fall vibe while still reflecting his rebellious personality. To recreate his look, think Carhartt and Dickies for durable workwear jackets, Vans or Converse for his signature sneakers, and Obey, Primitive, or Thrasher for those bold graphic tees and hoodies. For his flannels and baggy jeans, stores like Urban Outfitters, Pacsun, or even Levi’s carry great dupes. For vintage ones, look on Depop, eBay, and Grailed. Layer it all with a slouchy beanie and a zip-up hoodie, and you’ve got that Jesse Pinkman blend of comfort, grit, and effortlessly rugged fall style.
Meadow Soprano - The Sopranos
Amidst a season of family drama and an angry father, Meadow Soprano’s fall fashion stands out because it perfectly captures that early-2000s East Coast mix of sophistication, warmth, and attitude. Her style blends collegiate polish with quiet rebellion, fitted leather jackets, turtlenecks, dark-wash jeans, and structured mini skirts paired with tall boots. The color palette she gravitates toward — deep burgundies, camel, charcoal, and cream — mirrors the fall landscape and gives her outfits a timeless appeal. Meadow’s look feels effortless yet intentional, balancing her privileged upbringing with a grounded, real-girl edge. It’s affordable brands like ASOS, Design by. Si, and Zara, who have Meadow staple chunky hoops, leather blazers, and knit sweaters. Her outfits embody cozy confidence — the kind of understated luxury that defines perfect fall fashion.